38.01 South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal: An introduction to the Drakensberg from our initial base at Vergezient.

The Drakensberg is a range of mountains that stretches an awfully long distance, passing through much of South Africa and the neighboring state of Lesotho. However, it's far more than mountains; rather, it's a culture. It has a strong influence over the people living below it and on its magnificent, stretching length. It's covered with unusually shaped edifices, many protruding above the mountain base. Animals and birds abound, flora is magnificent and the people provide an interesting perspective themselves. They are clearly influenced by the environment and fiercely protective of their lifestyles.

At times, one feels, but for the internet and Coca Cola, (perhaps a few additional luxuries, too), one could be living in the 19th century. Not quite sure what life was like then from a lack of personal experience, but imagine the horse-riding, golf, other recreation, climbing and hiking, sleeping in mountain caves, neighborly visits to respective farms, observing and being absorbed in the daily and seasonal variety of weather, the frequent electrical storms, the Drakensberg Boys' Choir (superior school) and the ability to speak English with a refined accent, provides an influence over those who call the mountain, home.

We grew up in this country and regret how little we visited the towns along the mountains and having not experienced the trails, paths and climbs provided to every visitor and resident. Our first real visit to this area, ignoring the vacations at the 'luxury hotels' along the beach was on our honeymoon, perhaps an inappropriate time to be hiking on mountains, which we did. Fortunately, in the last ten years, we have begun to make up for those losses but we will never be sated. What a magnificent and gorgeous place, environment and culture.



The 'three-legged' horse grazes before part of the magnificent Drakensberg, in early evening.




Curtain rises as we prepare to observe the 'berg' closing down for the night.




Typical Drakensberg, a hike in Royal Natal National Park.




A time to reflect.




We've seen myriad birds but failed to capture them on camera. (Blue starling).




"Jeffrey! How many times have I told you not to sit in the bush without your 'undies'? No wonder you scratch incessantly most nights."





Love it. Royal Natal National Park, Tiger Falls trail.





We wrote of an 'upside-down' world recently...here's the proof illustrated by a Weaver.




We found this treasure.




Sunset during a storm.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey


Unfortunately, there are many realities.

37.26: Pirin National Park, Bulgaria: Polejan Peak, another special hike, experience and exposure.

Some days have a particularly good feel to them. This was one of them as we hiked a rather steep mountain over a less than average distance. Once again, we took in terrific sights, negotiated the rocks and scree and acquired height quickly. The vast surroundings, filled with mountain ranges, lakes and forests continue to amaze, entertain and fill us with challenges and joy simultaneously.



A heck of way to open the eyes early in the day.




After nearly an hour climbing, we reach a crest and determine our ultimate destination.




There are a few false peaks and one is clearly visible.




Lake Popova comes into view. We had hiked to it the previous week from another direction.




Our comments of rock surfaces are probably justified after viewing this photograph.




Ditto.





A view from the peak: Mounts Vihren and Kutelo in the distance.




First sighting as we reach the top.





Last sighting as we return to base.



Similar photographs shown before. The setting is superb as Jen returns to descend to Lake Bezbog.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

37.25 Bulgaria: Pirin Park. Muratov Lake and Peak and the smashing colors of a unique region... (A peek into a South African garden.)

'Nothing's quite as pretty as Mary in the morning.'



Talking of Mary/s...




As we reach our third continent in two weeks, we are still enjoying the thrill of having visited Eastern Europe again, particularly, the fascinating mountain ranges, myriad alpine lakes and an assortment of other features. It was not easy to leave the European continent which continues to inspire us with it’s variety of natural beauty. Nevertheless, it’s never difficult to return to Africa, especially where our roots are buried and many fond memories, particularly of the formative years, continue to influence and have an impact on our lives. We are most fortunate, at least thus far, that each part of the world provides unique opportunities to experience the mystery and joy of both the natural wonders and, people and their cultures. May we all live in peace! (Nice thought but unfortunately, unrealistic.)


Even in seemingly miserable weather, nature provides an upside.




Rugged, colorful and quite gorgeous.




Rugged, colorful and quite gorgeous...whoops, that's the previous caption.




Looks like she's feeling the burn.




Quite a spectacular place.




Down to meet the 'devil' but dressed for cold.




More reflections, much more tranquility.




Getting ready, taking off the gloves.




Scene of the movie set for "Rocky 8".




Different coloring.




'Rocky Editor'.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey


Scenes from an African setting. Compliments of Lilian Ruth.


Grey Lourie struggles to spin a long tail/tale.




This is not a bird.




Masked weaver.













Finally, 'Big Bird' leaves Zurich.

37.24 Bulgaria: Kutelo Peak and Koncheto Ridge, an approach from north of Vihren. Perhaps, our best experience...ever.

Looking back at the cabana and trailhead after the initial hour or so.




Heeerrre's Minnie. What was she thinking when making the purchase.




It was a stunning position...probably still is.



A number of years ago we learned a concept which we considered nothing short of brilliant. Of course, much depends on the perspective of the beholder and so our perception may differ from that of others. With the proviso in mind, the concept deals with so much of life including, not surprisingly, the challenging hikes we undertake from time-to-time, especially when condensed over short and intensive periods, usually quite tough and challenging. It sounds like we are setting up for a comparison with say an Everest assault, to make a bold assertion, but we would not be that arrogant. On the contrary, the concept is that we each have our own 'Everests'. What do we mean by that? We are born with specific talents and attributes. However, it is clear that there are numerous people who exceed our abilities in every field and by vast degrees. Phrased differently, there is nothing that most of us do that is not far exceeded by others. By way of an example, how many people can run the 4-minute mile? Very few. Does this mean we should not try to achieve that outstanding feat? Or more realistically, not run at all because after all, how embarrassing is it to take 14 minutes to run the distance when a few take less than 4 minutes. That's the crux of the matter. Then along comes the concept of potential. It makes the assertion 'so what'. Who cares how long or how one struggles with one's numerous 'Everests'. The issue is that one only has to realize one's potential. The rest is irrelevant.

When a person realizes his/her potential, that person has achieved ultimate success. The challenges are not external as much as internal. The wonder of the system is that it equalizes the world because we can all compete in most activities, whatever our skills. When we reach our potential, we have achieved the ultimate success. After all, it's not possible to exceed one's potential. The real winner is not who conquers Everest but rather, who conquers a personal 'Everest'.

In practical terms, the hikes in Bulgaria have been splendid, mostly tough and challenging, but always including beautiful scenery and features. This was our second approach to Mount Vihren but from the north which gave us views of the vertical wall. We also diverted to Kutelo Peak, continuing along Koncheto Ridge. The day produced elevation gain of 3,300 feet, some incredible experiences on knife edge ridges and cliff edges, steep climbs and hard slog, too. I've been criticized by Jen and Gavin, at times, both correctly for being too liberal in praise for many of our hikes. Once again, I open myself in stating this was one of our finest experiences.




Tip-toe through the tulips...tulips?




An incredible ridge, almost completely clouded over to its right but clear to the left.




Viewing the range and ridge from our patio.




Coloring is unique...that's not snow.




How about a little 'up and over' the top?




"I think those stragglers are following us. Should we charge them?"




"On second thoughts, let's get going; the ugly one looks pretty mean".




If nothing else, the traction is good on those rocks.




Some serious climbing, Mark M. The approach was to climb to reach the ridge on the left, a drop-down into the valley and then
up to the base followed by a steep rocky finish.




And harsh but beautiful sights.




Going walk-about.




and some climb-about.




Actually looks a lot easier than at the time.



Some breathtaking positions as Jenni waves in a thick mist.




One of the 'pip-squeaks'...we mean, peaks.




"Ja-nee". A quick jog up and it's all over.




To repeat, the scenery was marvelous.




Half-triumph, getting down is another battle.




Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey